Source first. Assumption second.

Source hierarchy

We start with EU legal texts, then the relevant regulator or competent authority, then the payment-scheme operator for scheme mechanics. Provider terms would be required for a provider-specific price or service claim. This edition does not publish invented provider tariffs or acceptance rankings.

How guides are assembled

Each guide identifies an operating question, states the key distinction, links regulatory claims and separates proposed internal steps from mandated rules. Diagrams simplify the sequence, not the legal obligations. Examples are hypothetical and do not imply client experience.

Date discipline

The review date is 12 November 2026. Publication, application, transition and reporting dates are different fields. Historical events are labelled as historical. No automated monitoring is running.

Tools and data

The cost calculator uses editable assumptions and a stated formula. Checklists count user ticks, not compliance. The register worksheet does not query an official database. The downloadable tracker is a curated snapshot with a source per row.

Ownership and conflicts

Legal publisher identity, financial relationships and commercial services require owner confirmation. No fabricated biographies or independence claims are supplied. No BankStore promotional links or account-opening banners appear in this edition.

Search and machine-readable content

Pages use semantic headings, source links, visible FAQ and matching structured data. These make content easier to interpret; they do not guarantee search rankings, rich results or inclusion in AI-generated answers.